Titanic Wreck Could Become Underwater Museum (PICTURES)

The wreck of the Titanic could become an underwater museum, its discoverer said.

Footage of the doomed vessel from 4,000m under the ocean off the coast of Canada could be broadcast live, Dr Robert Ballard said.

It now enjoys Unesco world heritage protection to prevent pillaging.

The oceanographer uncovered the vessel in 1985 and said the technology existed to beam material from the depths across the world.

"I see the Titanic becoming an underwater museum, accessed, with wonderful facilities," he said.

"We hope to come live on the anniversary of the discovery, September 1."

He was speaking at Titanic Belfast, a new visitor's centre in Belfast.

American oceanographer Dr Ballard was part of the team that found the wreckage of the famous steamship in the Atlantic Ocean in 1985.

Events were taking place this evening to mark the centenary, including a Requiem for the Lost Souls at St Anne's Cathedral and a commemoration in music and film at the Waterfront Hall, featuring well-known performers including singer Katie Melua.

Meanwhile, the new Titanic Memorial Garden on the east side of City Hall has been completed ahead of its opening tomorrow morning.

The names of more than 1,500 victims of the tragedy are engraved on five bronze plaques on a plinth nine metres wide - making it the first monument to record all those who died.

Many existing memorials have failed to include the Titanic crew or musicians. On this one there is no distinction between first-class passengers and others, with names in alphabetical order.

The garden will be unveiled after a commemorative service takes place to mark the time the Belfast-built liner sank.

Landscape architect Joy Hutchinson said: "We've gone for a colour scheme built around blue, white, silver and green, reflecting water and ice.

"It is to try to encourage a sense of peace and contemplation."

The garden will be opened to the public after the service takes place.